huì
犯讳
taboo; avoid mentioning
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesverb
to avoid using the name of a superior or elder out of respect
archaicA historical practice of name avoidance in traditional Chinese culture, showing respect for elders and superiors. Less common in modern usage but understood in historical contexts.
Gǔ古
dài代
chén臣
zǐ子
yào要
huì讳
huáng皇
dì帝
de的
míng名
zì字
。
In ancient times, officials had to avoid using the emperor's name.
Wèi为
zūn尊
zhě者
huì讳
shì是
gǔ古
dài代
de的
lǐ礼
zhì制
。
Avoiding the names of respected figures was part of ancient etiquette.
verb
to mention a taboo; to say something considered inauspicious
neutralCommonly used to refer to saying something that is considered bad luck or socially inappropriate.
Zài在
chuán船
shang上
huì忌
huì讳
shuō说
“
fān翻
”
zì字
。
It's taboo to say the word 'flip' on a boat.
Tā他
shuō说
huà话
bù不
huì忌
huì讳
，
cháng常
cháng常
ràng让
rén人
gān尴
gà尬
。
He doesn't avoid taboos when speaking, which often makes people uncomfortable.
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Zhè这
gè个
dì地
fāng方
zǎo早
chén晨
huì忌
huì讳
shuō说
“
shé蛇
”
hé和
“
hǔ虎
”
。
In this place, it's considered taboo to say 'snake' and 'tiger' in the morning.